Reruns Reign With Summer TV Viewers

NEW YORK - So far this summer, television viewers prefer reruns of old favorites to anything new that broadcast networks have to offer.

Of the 16 most-watched programs in prime-time last week, all but one — Fox's "American Juniors" — was a rerun, according to Nielsen Media Research.

ABC's rerun-heavy schedule had 15 percent more viewers last week than for a comparable week last summer. Some of its comedies, particularly "According to Jim," are finding an audience the second time around.

Drama franchises played well: Nielsen's top 10 had all three of the "Law & Order" shows. The two "CSI" shows topped the list.

CBS' "Without a Trace" was seen by 12.6 million people Thursday, nearly twice the 6.9 million people who watched NBC's "ER" at the same time.

It's still early, but none of the new reality shows exhibit breakout potential. NBC's "Last Comic Standing" may have the best shot, finishing in last week's top 20.

In cable, the USA network drew a series-record 5.4 million viewers for the second season premiere of "Monk" on Friday night, Nielsen said.

For the week, CBS averaged 8.1 million viewers (5.6 rating, 10 share), NBC had 7.4 million (5.1, 9), Fox and ABC both had 6.2 million (ABC: 4.2, 8; Fox: 4.0, 7), UPN had 2.8 million (1.9, 3), the WB had 2.5 million (1.8, 3) and Pax TV had 920,000 (0.7, 1).